USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume I > Part 10
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Warburton Gouverneur.
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ing, also perpetuates the name, which although extinet as re- gards the family, still has an honored and honorable memory.
Among the descendants of this family one deserves a special mention. Hon. Lewis Morris, of Morrisania, married one of the daughters of Dr. Sammel Staats, and had a large family of children. Her sister Sarah married Isaac Gouverneur. and among other children had a daughter Sarah, who became the second wife of Hon. Lewis Morris, being the niece of his former wife. This marriage excited the selfish wrath of his children, and to this he makes pointed allusion in his will. The only child by his second marriage was Gouverneur Morris, "a name famed in his country's annals."
COLONEL ROGER MORRIS AND HIS HOME.
Colonel Roger Morris, whose residence, better known in late years as the "Immel Mansion," is the last relic on Manhattan Island of Colonial homes, was a descendant of Cadigan. of Phil- ip Dorddw, a powerful Welsh chieftain in high favor with the Duke of Argyle and Earl of Pembroke. His father, Roger Mor- ris, married Mary, daughter of Sir Peter Jackson, a Turkey merchant of London. He died January 13, 1748. His third son was Colonel Roger Morris, born Jannary 28, 1727. entered the army and rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was en- gaged and was wonnded in the battle of Monongahela. in which General Braddock was killed. After the war he settled in New York, and was a member of the Conneil till the time of the Rey- olution. On January 19, 1758, he married the famous beauty, Mary Philipse, daughter of Frederick Philipse. the Lord of the Manor of Philipsburgh, the marriage being celebrated in great state at the Manor House at Yonkers. It was about this time that he purchased lands at Harlem and erected the mansion which still remains.
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During the war both Colonel Morris and his brother-in-law, Colone! Beverly Robinson, were officers in the British army and took an active part in the efforts to subdue the colonies. When the revolution was ended, Colonel Morris and his wife were among those included in the bill of attainder, their property was confiscated. and themselves banished from the country. They went to England and resided at Chester. In the cathedral of that city is a tablet with the following inscription :
Near this spot are deposited the remains of Col. Roger Morris. Formerly of His Majesty's 47th Regiment of Foot. Who departed this Life on the 13th day of September, 1794, in the 6th year of his Age. And of Mary Morris Reliet of the same. Who departed this Life on the 18th day of July. 1825, in the 71st year of her age.
Colonel Morris left children : Joana, wife of Thomas Cow- per Hinchs: Amherst, who died unmarried, in 1802: Maria and Henry Gage.
Henry Gage Morris was born in New York, 1770, and at- tained the rank of rear admiral in the British navy. In 1805 he married a daughter of Rev. F. Orpen. Their children were: Rev. Francis Orpen Morris. rector of Burholme, Yorkshire; Henry Gage Morris, an officer in the navy; Frederick Philipse Morris, barrister of Lincoln Inn; Beverly Robinson Morris, M. D .. of Nottingham; Rev. Adolph Philipse Morris, of Leeds; and Charles D'Urban Morris.
Professor Charles D'Urban Morris was born at Chermonth. Dorset, February 17, 1827. He was educated at Oxford, and oh- tained the degree of B. A in 1849: and in 1852 was Master of Arts and Follow of Oriel. He came to America in 1853, and was
-
Mrs. Mary (Philipse) Morris.
Col. Roger Morris.
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made rector of Trinity School, and was afterwards master of a school at Mohegan. Westchester county, and later was professor in the University of New York. In 1876 he was chosen professor of Latin and Greek in Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and remained in that position till the time of his death, which oc- eurred February 7, 1886, and was buried in St. Paul's church- vard. He married Jane Webb Shaw, daughter of Oliver Shaw.
CHARLES D'URBAN MORRIS
of Providence, Rhode Island, but left no children. He was the only descendant of Colonel Roger Morris, who lived in this eoun- try. Professor Morris was the author of a Latin Grammar of Attie Greek. In these works he expounded his own peculiar views in regard to the study of these languages.
The city residence of Colonel Roger Morris and his wife was the south corner of Whitehall and Stone streets. This was given to Mrs. Morris by her father, Frederick Philipse. About the time when he married Mary Philipse, Colonel Morris pur-
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chased a tract of land at Harlem and on it he erected the man- sion which now remains, the last relic of the elegant homestead of Colonial days. This traet was bounded east by Harlem river, and west by the Kingsbridge road, or Albany Post road, and it extended from what is now One Hundred and Fifty-ninth street to One Hundred and Seventy-fifth street. The mansion stood at the south end of the tract. The whole was sold by the commis- sioners of forfeitures to John Berrian and Isaac Ledyard, July 9. 1784. The price was $2,250 or $5,625. It was simply described as containing one hundred and fifteen acres.
William Kenyon purchased a large traet of land adjoining, which extended to the Hudson river, and sold the whole to Leon- ard Parkinson in 1799 for $3.000. and he sold it to Stephen Ju- mel, April 28. 1810, for $10,000. Since then this famous place has been known as the "Jumel Mansion," and the "Jumel Farm." Stephen Jumel was a wealthy merchant from France, and married Eliza Brown, April 9, 1804. By this marriage he was joined to a woman whose pride, ambition and determination have seldom found their equal. It is with her name rather than her husband's that it has been famed in modern times. Under her directions the house was furnished most magnificently, and it became one of the centers of social life.
During his lifetime Stephen Jumel by various deeds settled the property upon his wife. and she became the sole owner. The death of Mr. Jumel was under peculiar circumstances. One day he went ont riding in an open wagon. sitting upon a stool made from a Windsor chair with the back sawed off. The driver was inexperienced. and by accident Mr. Jumel was thrown out, strik- ing heavily upon his breast. He was conveyed to his home, and several physicians were called, who, according to the custom in those days, proceeded to bleed him. He lingered for ten or twelve days, and died May 22. 1832. His heirs-at-law were a
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
brother and sister residing in France. Stephen Jumel had been dead scarcely a year when a new actor appeared upon the scene in the form of Aaron Burr, Esq., "Attorney and Counsellor at. Law," who evidently with an eye to the fortune of Madame Ju- mel, commereed a matrimonial suit for heart and hand. With that persuasive power which had made him vietor in so many
Roger Morris Mansion (Jumel Mansion).
love affairs, he gained a half-hearted consent, and with an assur- ance so characteristic of the man. he informed her of his inten- tion to be married on a certain day. On that day he appeared, bringing with him Rev. David Schuyler Bogart. and the widow was married in spite of herself. Burr soon found that he had met his match in more senses than one. and that there was a temper and will opposed to him that were more than equal to his own. This ill starred union was not of long continuance. A
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speedy separation was followed by a suit for divorce, com- manced by the wife. but never prosecuted. Madame Jumel lived in the mansion in state and grandeur for nearly forty years, and died at an advanced age. July 16. 1865. She left two nephews and two nieces who were her heirs-at-law, who sold all their right and title in the estate to Nelson Chase. July 29, 1865. Then ensued a series of lawsuits that lasted for twenty years, and "The Juice! case" i: famous in the law courts.
Mary Jumel Chase, the wife of Nelson Chase. had by a for- mer husband. a child. Eliza Jumel Pery, and by her second hus. band. a child, William Inglis Chase. These children were brought up in the family of Madame Jumel, as her intended heirs by adoption, and they were with Nelson Chase, the defendants in the various law suits. It was first alleged that Madame Jumel left a will. by which she bequeathed almost all her estate to various be- novolent societies. This was set aside by the courts. The most important suit was commenced by one George W. Bowen, who claimed to be an illegitimate son of Madame Jumel. This suit went to the supreme court of the United States, and his claim was dismissed. It is said that "it is a wise child that knows its own father." but here wis one that evidently did not know his own mother. After long years the e'aims of Nelson Chase were ful'y confirmed, and the entire property was sold in a partition snit to various parties. Fortunately the property had been con- stantly increasing in value, and what Stephen JJumel had pur- chased for $10.000, was sold for nearly half a million. Some time after the mansion with a little land surrounding, was sold to the wife of General Ferdinand P. Earl. and during her ownership it retained much of the glory of the past. It has been lately pur- chased by the city of New York. and is under the direction of patriotie societies. The portrait of Colonel Roger Morris is from a painting by Copley. The portrait of his wife. Mrs. Mary
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(Philipse) Morris, was painted by Benjamin West, and both are in the possession of her descendants in England. The por- trait of Mrs. Morris was made at a time when age and care and
Land of Ärden
Land of Mrs. Bauer
Lot Nº 5 Containing 39 Acres. 1 Rood
Farn
Lot Nº 6
Cons: 29 A. 2 .R.
JY: 14 Cont: 6A.2R.20 P.
Lot Nº 4
Road
Containing 34 Acres. o. R. 15 P.
Post
JY: 12 Sixt. 6t. o.R.
Spring MOUSA Lot Nº 3
.
LotM: 7 Containing 20 A. 2.R.
JY: 11 Cont: 6 f. 2 R.
W
Containing 33 A. 1 R. 25 P.
J. 10 Cont: 6 ft. 8 R.
HUDSON
Land
of George Wear.
Albany
Irot Nº 8 Cont: 36 .A.1R.
Lot Nº L'
Barn DH
Road
Mansim O Meuse
stve.
Land of
Beckman.
Land of Beckman
JUMEL FARM. 1810.
1425
trouble had destroyed the beauty for which she was once so famous. The portrait of her in youthful beauty is now in pos- session of the Gouverneur family, an engraving of which ap- pears in the sketch of the Philipse family.
RIVER
Nº 9 Cont: 7 tares
Lot Nº 2 Containing 37 Acres 2 Roads.
AVENUE
Coach
e
HAERLEM
Containing 48 Acres. O. R 20 Perches.
W
JY: 15 Cont: 6 At. 2.R.
JY: 13 Cont, 5. A. 2R.
ENSTAEO
DuBois Coat of Arms
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
A little north of the Jumel mansion was a large rock, upon which Fitz Greene Halleck wrote his famous poem, "Marco Bozzaris."
DU BOIS FAMILY.
In the middle ages the plainest lines of distinction were marked between the nobility and the common people. There were, in fact, but three classes-the clergy, the nobility and the peasantry. In France the Roturiers, or common people, were not allowed the use of surnames, which in after times they re- ceived from their occupation, or peculiar circumstances charac- terizing the person, or canses existing other than those which designate the possession of office or the holding of land. It was in the eleventh century that surnames were first assumed as a distinctive mark of nobility, and if a French surname can be traced back to that period it is indisputable evidence that the family entitled to it was at that time a noble one. Such was the name Du Bois, which appears as early as 1066. It was ancient both in Artois and Normandy before William the Conqueror left France for the conquest of England. In the heraldie records preserved in the royal library of Paris, France, it is expressly stated that the family is one of the oldest of the noble families of Cotentin, in Normandy.
The genealogy seems to begin with Geoffroi Du Bois, who was a Knight Banneret under William the Conqueror, whom he accompanied to the conquest of England, 1066. A list of seven- teen descendants is given. all of whom are designated as seig- neurs and chevaliers. Sneh is the early history of this dis- tinguished family.
The direct ancestor of the American branch was Chretien (or Christian) Du Bois, of Wiekers, in the Department of Artois. in Flanders, afterwards a part of France. He was the parent
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
of two sons: Jacques. born 1625. and Louis, born October 27, 1626. They belonged to the race called Walloons, a people who lived on the boundary between France and Belgium, and who suffered greatly in the wars which ahost perpetually raged in that part of Europe. It was to escape these constant and con- tinne ! troubles that the Walloons came to America, and to escape from religious persecution was the principal cause that led them to abandon their native land. Their language was the ancient French dialect of Picardy, which differed in many par- tirulars from the language of Southern France, containing more of the Gallie and less of the Latin language. They were a brave and hardy race, fully confirming the statement of JJulius Caesar, "Of all the Gauls. the bravest are the Belgians." From these two brothers are descended the various families of this honored name which are scattered far and wide throughont our broad land.
Jacques Du Bois, the elder of the two brothers, emigrated to America in 1675, settling on the Esopus, Ulster county, New York. He did not long survive his coming to the new world, for he died the following year, leaving a widow, Pierone (Bentyea) Du Bois, whom he married in Leyden, April, 1663, and who afterwards married John Pieterse. He also left three sons: Jacques ( whose name was afterward changed to Jacobus), born in Leyden. March, 1665; John, baptized July, 1671; Pierre (or Peter), baptized March 17, 1674, and was an infant at the time of his father's death.
Louis Du Bois, the younger of the two brothers, removed to Manheim, Germany, and there married Catharine Blanshan (Blancon), October 10, 1655. He emigrated to this country with his wife and three young children in 1660. They landed in New Amsterdam, but did not long remain there. He songht for a home in the vast wilderness in the Esopus country, or the upper
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
Hudson. This derived its name from the Esopus kill, or creek, which empties into the Hudson at Rondout, the port or harbor of Kingston. His first home appears to have been at Hurley, three miles from Kingston, and here he built a store and traded with the Indians and the people of the new settlement. In the Indian raid of 1663, Hurley was almost entirely destroyed, and among the captives taken were the wife and three children of Louis Du Bois. the father being absent at the time. The rescue of Mrs. Du Bois, as she was about to be put to death by her bar- barons captors, is among the most thrilling scenes of our early history. Three years later Louis Du Bois and a company asso- ciated with him purchased from the Indians a large traet of land in Ulster county. It extended ten miles along the Hudson river, and back into the country a still greater distance. It included the whole or a large part of the present towns of New Paltz, Rosendale, Esopus, Lloyd. and Highland. The price was paid in articles common enough to the white men, but highly prized by the Indians. Among them were forty kettles, forty axes and sixty knives. The sale was confirmed by a patent granted by Governor Edinnd Andross September 29, 1677. Among others associated with Lonis Du Bois in the purchase were his sons Abraham and Isaac, and the ancestor of the honorable family of Hasbronek, and the name continnes there down to the present time.
The French Bible of the Huguenots was their companion, and from its teachings they never wandered. Throughout his life Lonis Du Bois was the head, heart and sont of the new colony. Ten years later he removed to Kingston, where many of his French friends still resided, and there he purchased a house and home lot of Derrick Schaepmoes, and spent the last declining days of his life. His will, dated 1686. was proved June 23, 1699, and he probably died the same month and year, Vol. 1- 1?
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and no doubt lies buried in the ground of the Dutch church at Kingston, but no tombstone marks his last resting place. The children of Lonis and Catherine Du Bois were: 1. Abraham, born in Manheim, Germany, died October 7, 1731, at the age of seventy-four. He was the last survivor of the twelve paten- tees of New Paltz. He married Margaret Deyo, and their chil- dren were : Abraham, baptized 1685; Leah, 1687, married Rolliff Elting; Rachel. 1689; Catherine, 1693; Benjamin: Margaret : and Mary, who married Philip Ferrie, and to her he left a large tract of land in Pennsylvania. A plain tombstone at New Paltz bears this brief inscription: "1731 October 7, A. D. -Bois, survivor of 12 patentees." 2. Isaac, born in Manheim, married at Kingston, 1683, Marie Hasbronek, and his children were : David, born 1684, married Mary Lefevre; Benjamin, born 1687; Philip, born 1690. Isaac Du Bois was also one of the twelve patentees of New Paltz, and died there June 28, 1690, at the early age of thirty-one. 3. Jacob, the first of the race born in America. In the church book at Kingston is the entry of his baptism: "October 9, 1661, vadder van dit kint, Lonis Du Bois, modder Catteray, Blancon, kint, Jacob, Getruggen, Antony C'refel, Madd aleen Joonse." (Presented for baptism October 9. 1661, by the father Louis Du Bois and the mother Catherine Blancon, a child JJacob; Witnesses, Antony Crefel. Maddaleen Toonse). Jacob settled at Hurley, on a farm belonging to his father. He married Geritie Gerretsen, daughter of Gerrit C'ornellisen, who was the son of Cornelis Van Newkirk. They were the parents of eleven children : Magdaleen, Barent, Lewis. Gerrittie, Sarah, Isaac, Gerritt, Catherine, Rebecca, Neeltye and Johanes. Four of the daughters died young. Of the sons. Barent and Lewis emigrated to New Jersey. Sarah married Conrad Elmendorff. Isaac had a son Gerritt, born 1704, went to New Jersey, but returned to Hurley; he had three children : Gerttie,
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Conrad and Tobias, who has many descendants. Catherine mar- ried Petins Smedes. Johanes (or John) had seven children : Jacob, Cornelins, Petrus, Abraham, John and two daughters. Jacob Du Bois, the ancestor of the family, died June, 1745, aged eighty-four. 4. Sarah. married Joose Jansen. 5. David, mar- ried Cornelia Varnage, 1689. He was living in 1731. and his descendants are living in Rochester, Ulster county, New York. 6. Solomon, mentioned hereafter. 7. Rebecca, born 1671. died young. 8. Rachel, born 1675, died young. 9. Louis, born 1677. married Rachel Hasbrouck, 1701, and from them are descended families in Broome and Tioga counties, New York, and in Penn- sylvania. 10. Matthew, born 1679, married Sarah Matthysen. and had a son Lewis, who was living in Kingston, New York. 1706.
Solomon Du Bois, sixth child of Louis and Catherine Du Bois, was born about 1671. He lived at New Paltz, though not within the patent. He had a large tract of land in Pennsyl- vania, at a place called in his will "Pocki Oma," probably now Perkiomen. Montgomery county. He also owned the northern part of the Loveridge Patent, at Catskill, and a tract of three thousand acres in the Wallkill Valley. In 1692 he married Trintie Gerritsen, a sister of the wife of his brother Jacob. and they were the parents of eight children: Jacomyntie, born 1693, married her cousin, Barent Du Bois, son of Jacob Du Bois, 1715; Isaac, settled at Perkiomen, Pennsylvania; Ben- jamin, mentioned hereafter: Sarah, wife of Simon Van Wag- anen; Helena, wife of Josiah Elting; Catharine, wife of Peter Low; Cornelius; Hendrieus (or Henry), married Janittie Hooghtaling, of Kingston. He died February, 1759, at the ad- vanced age of ninety.
Benjamin Du Bois, second son of Solomon and Trintie Du Bois, settled at Catskill. New York. He married Catharine
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Suylant. Their children were: 1. Sara, baptized January 11. 1722. married Christian Overbaugh, April 4, 1743. 2. Solo- mon, baptized February 23, 1724, married Margaret Sammans. September 27, 1749. He died before July 4, 1760. 3. Huy- bartus, baptised October 10, 1725, married Cornelia Hallen- beck. He died early in 1809. His wife died Angust 25, 1795, at the age of sixty-six. 4. Cornelius, baptized November 12, 1727, but probably born before September 14, 1727. He mar- ried Catharine Vanderpool, November 12, 1751. He died June 5. 1803. 5. Isaac, born June 1, 1731, died February 23, 1795. He married Lena Sammans, May 28, 1752, and their children were: 1. Lena Cathalyntje, baptized April 23, 1753, married Abram Fonda, of Catskill. 2. Achie (or Agnes), baptized April 11, 1757, married Jacobus Bogardus. 3. John (or Johannes), born March 25, 1760. 4. Joel, born May 25, 1762, died Apri! 29, 1844.
John Du Bois, son of Isaac and Lena (Sammans) Du Bois, married (first) JJannettie (or Jane) Dies, in 1780. She died May 15, 1794, aged thirty-four years, four months, fourteen days. Her mother was generally known as " Lady Jane Dies," and of her a more extended notice will be given. He married (second) Catharine Bronk, of Coxachie, September 26, 1795. She died August 3, 1796, aged thirty-three years, four months, eight days. His third wife was Gitty, daughter of Cornelius Du Bois, whom he married February 12, 1797. She died Oct- ober 16, 1814, aged fifty-two years, ten months, seven days. He married a fourth time, Trientje (or Catharine), daughter of Huybartus Du Bois, June 29, 1816. She died August 24. 1839, at the age of eighty-five years, ten months, three days. The children of JJohn Du Bois and Jannettie (Goelet) Dies were: Isaac, born December 13, 1780, died August 23. 1850.
Lady Jane Dies Mansion, Catskill, New York
6
Lady Jane Dies, 15 years of age
1×1
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
John Dies, born March 20, 1784, died June 3, 1845. James, born March 17, 1788. Jenette, born June 17, 1791.
It is rather a remarkable circumstance that Catharine Du Bois, daughter of Huybartus, was born in the house where she died, at the time when her father was living in it, and which he later exchanged with his brother Isaac. Catharine was married twice before she married her own cousin, John. son of her unele, Isaac, and John had been married three times before he married his cousin, Catharine, who by her third mar- riage returned to the home where she was born and resumed her maiden name, and lived happily with her last husband for twenty-three years before she died in 1839.
John Du Bois, son of Isaac and Lena (Sammans) Du Bois, was born March 25, 1760, died 1841. He was no ordinary man. His extensive estate on the Catskill was almost a principality, and although his aets and his life were principally confined within the limits of his estate, yet they were so marked that they left an impression upon the memories of his posterity to the third generation. His indomitable will and conrage made him an acknowledged leader in the community, as well as the ruler of his own family. His opinions and aets were always respected, because they were founded on wisdom and justice. He was stern in demeanor and uncompromising, so that his will and word in his family and over all his possessions were supreme, and none ever ventured to question or dispute.
His residence at the Point was like an old time baronia! hall. His personal appearance and habits were well in keep- ing. In stature he was over six feet in height, well propor- tioned and strongly built, and of a very impressive and com- manding appearance. In costume, he wore to the last the small clothes, the knee breeches with great silver buckles, tight stock- ings and low shoes-in short, the garh of a gentleman of those
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days, so conspienously presented in the engraving of the Sign- ing of the Declaration of Independence. He appears as a prom- inent character in Mrs. Ann S. Stephens' famous novel of "Mary Derwent." Mrs. Stephens spent some time in the Du Bois home. Everything that could be needed was produced on his estate, orchards and gardens, as well as fertile fields, while in the river and creeks were fish in plenty, and wild game in those days was abundant. They tanned their own leather, raised their own wool and flax, and spin and wove their own cloth. When he died he left behind him the reputation of a gentleman of the old school, and an honest and worthy man.
John Du Bois married Jane Dies, who was a daughter of John Dies and Jannettie Goelet, the only child to Jacob Goelet. whose name was anglicised into James Goelet. Jacob Goelet was thoroughly acquainted with the Dutch language, and was appointed "sworn translator" of that langnage, and translated many Dutch wills into English. In 1770 Jane Dies sold the honse and lot where her father had lived on Broadway, New York. In this deed she speaks of herself as "only child and heiress at law of Jacob Goelet, late of New York, merchant." This house and lot is No. 27 Broadway, and is part of the Stevens House.
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